Substance Use Counselor

Comprehensive Treatment Centers; Fitchburg (MA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Semi-Annual Bonus

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid vacation and sick leave

Clinical supervision provided

Free CEUs

EAP

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Comprehensive Treatment Centers in Fitchburg, MA is hiring a Substance Use Counselor for our Outpatient MAT Opioid Treatment Program. This full-time role involves delivering high-quality individual and group counseling in a patient-centered setting.

A Master’s degree or approved credentials are required, with MAT knowledge and strong clinical documentation. We offer comprehensive benefits, 401(k) with match, paid leave, supervision, CEUs, and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in psychology, social work, or related field required.
• Current credentials such as CAC, CAS, CADC, CRC, LADC I/II, LICSW, LCSW, LMHC, or LMFT preferred.
• Experience in addiction recovery or behavioral health settings is preferred.
• Knowledge of MAT and related treatments (methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone).

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality, compassionate guidance in individual and group counseling sessions.
• Plan, oversee, facilitate and document patient\'s recovery.
• Co-facilitate assigned group or family sessions as needed.
• Ensure all documentation regarding patient care, treatment, and incidents is completed timely and clearly.
• Prepare individual treatment plans for each patient.
• Conduct initial and follow-up assessments.
• Evaluate patient needs and referrals to other programs as needed.
• Plan for aftercare when appropriate.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Perform case management duties for patients.
• Act as liaison between referral sources and patients as needed.

Skills

MAT knowledge

Counseling skills

Documentation skills

Group counseling

Crisis intervention

Education

Master’s degree in psychology or social work

Professional credentials (CAC/CAS/CADC/CRC/LADC LICSW/LCSW/LMHC/LMFT)

Bachelor’s degree with credentialing path available

Accredited health services degree

Job description

Outpatient MAT Opioid Treatment Program

Now Hiring: Substance Use Counselor

Full Time Hours:

Early morning schedule that encourages a great work-life balance:

• Monday - Friday, 5:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Why Work With Us? Benefits Include:

• Semi-Annual Bonus Program
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Competitive 401(k) with employer match
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Employer-paid clinical supervision (free to employees)
• Free and unlimited access to 500+ accredited Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supporting your mental health & well-being
• Industry-leading growth and development opportunities

Our Team

Fitchburg Comprehensive Treatment Center (CTC), located in Fitchburg, MA, is part of Acadia Healthcare's Comprehensive Treatment Centers—the nation's leader in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for individuals seeking recovery from Opioid Use Disorder. We provide a continuum of care that includes Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), Office-Based Addiction Treatment (OBAT), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and mobile treatment units. Our approach to holistic addiction care extends beyond clinical treatment, incorporating recovery coaching, community outreach and partnerships to ensure patients receive comprehensive, patient-centered support.

Transforming Lives With Community & Compassion

With 14 outpatient opioid treatment programs (OTPs) across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, we’re breaking down barriers to care and supporting long‑term recovery. Our CTC clinics partner with nursing homes, justice systems, and community groups to provide holistic, patient-centered care. From wellness initiatives and holiday celebrations to yoga and animal therapy, we foster a supportive environment for healing and whole-person well‑being.

Your Job As a Substance Use Counselor

The Substance Use Counselor is instrumental in our patient’s treatment and recovery from opioid use disorder. Substance Use Counselors provide high quality, compassionate care through various mediums which include both individual and group counseling sessions.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide high quality, compassionate guidance in both individual and group counseling sessions.
• Plan, oversee, facilitate and document patient's recovery.
• Co-facilitate assigned group or family sessions as needed.
• Ensure all documentation regarding patient care, treatment, and incidents is completed timely and in a clear, concise manner.
• Prepare individual treatment plans for each assigned patient.
• Initial assessments as well as follow up assessments.
• Evaluate patient needs and determine if referrals to other programs or facilities are needed.
• May plan for aftercare for assigned patients.
• Provide crisis intervention to patients, as needed.
• Provide case management duties for patients, ensuring individualized quality care as needed.
• Act as a liaison between referral sources and patients, as needed.

Compensation for roles at Fitchburg CTC varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific location, role, skill set, and level of experience. Fitchburg CTC provides a reasonable hourly range of compensation for roles that may be hired in Massachusetts as set forth below.

Role Location:

Massachusetts

Calculated Salary Range for the role

$27.88 - $29.81 per hour

Eligible positions may qualify for student loan forgiveness through HRSA, depending on clinic site eligibility. Check your eligibilty here: HRSA Eligibility

Where Passion Meets Purpose. Join Our Team!

Our compassionate team is dedicated to empowering individuals on their recovery journey, providing high-quality care, offering unwavering support, and fostering a patient-centered approach to healing. Through evidence-based treatment and a commitment to whole-person wellness, our team members play a vital role in helping individuals reclaim their lives.

Required Education

• Master’s Degree in a relevant field is required, or one of the following credentials: CAC, CAS, CADC, CRC, LADC I, LADC II, LICSW, LCSW, LMHC, or LMFT.
• Bachelor’s Degree holders without credentials are encouraged to apply if they are committed to obtaining required credentials within 30-60 days of employment.
• For Bachelor’s-level candidates, we provide reimbursement for licensing or certification exam fees to support credential attainment.
• Degree obtained must be in psychology, social work, or related health services field from an accredited college or university.

Your Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in addiction recovery or behavioral health settings, such as outpatient, residential, or correctional facilities.
• Familiarity with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
• Experience conducting individual and group counseling sessions focused on substance use recovery.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and relapse prevention techniques.
• Documentation experience, including maintaining clinical notes, treatment plans, and progress updates in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
• Familiarity with state regulatory standards (e.g., 42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA, Joint Commission standards).
• Experience collaborating in a multidisciplinary team with medical staff, case managers, and peer support specialists.

Licenses/Certifications

• Candidates who do not hold a Master’s degree must possess one of the following certifications or commit to obtaining it within 60 days of hire:
• CAC, CAS, CADC, CRC, LADC I, LADC II, LICSW, LCSW, LMHC, or LMFT.
• We provide reimbursement for licensing or certification exam fees to support credential attainment.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual’s characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.

AHCTC